June 13, 2009 Mrs. Louisiana Pageant

This is a day I will never forget. All of my dreams became a reality in a matter of minutes as I was announced Mrs. Louisiana America 2009.

The pageant took place in Baton Rouge, LA at Episcopal High School Performing Arts Theatre in front of a lively audience full of my family and friends from around the state. The festivities began with a delgate dinner the evening before at beautiful Ruffino's Italian Restaurant where we were given our contestant numbers and ALL the information reguarding the pageant and Mrs. America information. I was so pleased to be accompanied by my wonderful husband- Tim. He was truly a pillar of strength for me this weekend.

Saturday morning began with rehearsals from 9-11:30ish and then we headed off to prepare for interviews. Opening number rehearsals are always entertaining especially for those who can and can't dance- I had so much fun with the other ladies that morning. Our Swimsuit music rocked and opeing number was called "STRUT", so you can only imagine how much fun that was. Interviews were 5 minutes with each judge and we had 3 judges in all. We then gathered our belongings and headed back to the theatre for one more run at the opening number and then prep for show time. I was so blessed to have my mother to accompany me to interviews, and my sister help me backstage all evening. Lindsey you are the BEST! You made me relax and reminded me why I was there, I am so thankful to you for all of your love and support.

Showtime began before I knew it and all ran smoothly- everyone was great in opening number (We did it Olivia-HAHA) and then swimsuit, and evening gown. What an incredible feeling to look out into the audience and see my LARGE family all routing for me waving there signs in the air. Seeing my 2 1/2 year old cheering for Mommy just melted my heart!

Then it was time for the awards to be announced.
Pageantry Spirit Award- Carla Smith
Congeniality-Rachel Thomas.
People's Choice- Jennifer Armond (thank you to all that voted for me that is a great honor)
Photogentic Award- Jennifer Armond (thank you Mrs Rhonda for the beautiful picture!) Interview, Swimsuit, and Evening Gown- Jennifer Armond I was soooo SHOCKED to receive all 3 and at this point, I really felt sick and hoped no one could see how hard I was probably breathing on stage.

5th runner up- Donna Crehan
4th runner up- Carla Smith
3rd runner up- Lisa Chouest
2nd runner up- Rachel Thomas

Then it was just Olivia and I standing there in the moment of anticipation- as the first runner up is called Olivia Simpson and the new Mrs. LA America is JENNIFER ARMOND, no words can ever describe how that felt, I wanted to cry and scream with joy all at the same time. Sweet Olivia looked at me and said, it was your turn no more first runner up. If any one knows me they understand that statement, you see I competed for Miss LA USA for 5 years and was 1st runner up 3x's and 2nd runner up 2X's. Then last year I was 1st runner up to Mrs LA America 2008. What a long journey that spans for over 11 years but, this is evidence that all dreams/goals can be achieved no matter when they first began- All things are possible!

Thank you to my sweet family- Momma A, Lindsey, Dad, Sylvia, Brandon, Matt, Christian, Cody, MawMaw, Pat, Abigail, Tiffany, Josh, McKenzie, Susan, Randyl, Tessi, Melinda, Kassy and most importantly my wonderful husband Tim and beautiful son Gabriel. Gabe thanks for all the many hours of ridding in the jogging stroller and helping mommy exercise, I couldn't have asked for a better partner. Tim where do I begin- this dream began before we were married or even dating, but obviously has been fullfilled with you and I now understand why- I have someone to share this journey/dream with and there is no one I would rather do it with than you.

I am proud to be Mrs. Louisiana America 2009, there is no greater honor than to be the representative for the married women of Louisiana. Mrs. America here we come!